Common Mental Health Issues in Men: Recognizing the Signs

When it comes to health, men often channel their inner Bollywood hero, believing they can fight through anything with sheer willpower and a few push-ups. But here’s the twist: mental health doesn’t work that way. Whether you're in the bustling lanes of Delhi, the laid-back beaches of Goa, or the tech hubs of Bangalore, mental health issues affect men universally. And yes, even the “bearded macho man” sipping cutting chai at a Mumbai tapri isn’t immune.

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Why Talk About Men's Mental Health?

In India, men are often expected to be the stoic providers—the “ghar ka chirag” who never flickers. Crying? That’s for “ladies and SRK movies”! Seeking help? “Not needed; I’m fine after a cigarette.” Unfortunately, this reluctance to address mental health concerns leads to larger problems. Studies show that 42.5% of corporate employees in India suffer from depression or anxiety (WHO, 2017). Men are less likely to seek help, increasing their risk of long-term mental health issues (Rathod et al., 2017).

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So, let’s break stereotypes and dive into the common mental health issues men face, how to recognize them, and what to do about it—with some humor and relatable desi examples sprinkled in.

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Depression: More Than Just "Mood Off"

What It Looks Like:

• Feeling perpetually tired, even after a 12-hour sleep marathon.
• A sudden loss of interest in things once loved (e.g., cricket, biryani, or memes).
• Difficulty concentrating—like staring at your laptop but thinking about why Gabbar asked “Kitne aadmi the?”
• Physical symptoms like back pain, headaches, or digestive issues that make no sense.

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Everyday Examples:

• A 35-year-old working in Gurgaon, used to be the life of office chai breaks. Now, he’s always "too busy" and often cancels plans. His colleagues think he’s just stressed, but it’s more than that.

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What to Do:

If you do feel this way, know that depression is not a character flaw; it’s a treatable condition. Talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist is step one. Medication, therapy, or both can work wonders.

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Anxiety: When “Worry” Becomes Your Middle Name

What It Looks Like:

• Overthinking everything, from “Will the auto-wala scam me?” to “What if my boss hated my last email?”
• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or stomach butterflies (but not the romantic kind).
• Trouble sleeping because your brain thinks it’s a 24/7 newsroom.

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Everyday Examples:

• A 29-year-old software engineer from Pune, spends hours replaying conversations in his head. When his manager says, “We’ll discuss this later,” Arjun spirals into imagining being fired, losing his flat, and moving back with his parents.

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What to Do:

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help. Apps like "Calm" or "Headspace" are great, but nothing beats a visit to a therapist to unpack those worries.

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Substance Abuse: The "Stress Reliever" That’s Not Helping

What It Looks Like:

• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to "take the edge off" too often.
• Feeling irritable or anxious when you can’t access these substances.
• Struggling to limit usage despite knowing its negative effects.

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Everyday Examples:

• A 40-year-old businessman in Ahmedabad, calls his nightly whiskey “stress management.” He doesn’t realize how it’s affecting his sleep, health, and family relationships.

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What to Do:

Recognizing the problem is half the battle. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or counseling services can provide support. Quitting might feel like giving up on a cricket match at 50-5, but a good coach (therapist) can guide you to victory.

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Anger Issues: When "Short Fuse" is an Understatement

What It Looks Like:

• Exploding over minor inconveniences, like a slow internet connection or someone cutting the queue.
• Feeling guilty or embarrassed about outbursts later.
• Trouble communicating feelings without raising your voice.

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Everyday Examples:

• A 32-year-old cab driver in Hyderabad, honks at everyone, curses freely, and comes home feeling drained. His wife calls him “a walking volcano.”

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What to Do:

Anger management isn’t about suppressing anger; it’s about channeling it constructively. Techniques like journaling or breathing exercises help, but therapy provides tools to manage triggers effectively.

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Cultural Barriers: The "Log Kya Kahenge" Syndrome

One of the biggest obstacles for Indian men seeking mental health support is societal stigma. Whether it’s the fear of being judged as weak or the worry of becoming “bichara” in the family’s eyes, this mindset can prevent men from taking the first step.

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Everyday Examples:

• A 38-year-old father of two in Jaipur, brushes off his wife’s suggestion to see a therapist, saying, “Therapists are for rich people, not for us.”

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What to Do:

Normalize conversations around mental health. Start with trusted friends or family, and don’t shy away from professional help. Mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

How Can You Help?

• Listen Without Judgment: If a friend confides in you, don’t offer clichéd advice like “Be strong, yaar.” Just listen.
• Encourage Seeking Help: Suggest professional help tactfully, like “I’ve heard talking to someone can really help; why not try it?”
• Check-In Regularly: A simple “How are you, really?” can go a long way.

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Conclusion

Mental health issues in men are as real as Delhi’s traffic jams and as pressing as the need for good chai. Recognizing the signs and seeking help isn’t just important; it’s life-changing. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or talking to loved ones, help is always within reach.

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So, to all the men out there: Take that first step. Because if Bollywood has taught us anything, it’s that the hero always rises—sometimes with the help of a sidekick (or therapist). Let’s change the script and prioritize mental health for a happier, healthier India.

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References

Rathod, S., Pinninti, N., Irfan, M., Gorczynski, P., Rathod, P., & Gega, L. (2017). Mental health service provision in low-and middle-income countries. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(12), 900-912.

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World Health Organization. (2017). Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: WHO.

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National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16. Bengaluru: NIMHANS.